A teenage photographer’s ‘technically challenging’ wedding image is in the running for a top accolade with global recognition.

Barney Maguire, 17, of Barrow, has been shortlisted in the wedding category of The British Photography Awards for ‘Off Into The Distance’.

The image, taken last year in Gloucestershire with a Canon 70d Sigma 50-100 F1.8, was chosen by judges who looked at three of the West Suffolk College student’s photographs.

Barney Maguire's shortlisted photograph 'Off Into The Distance'

He said: “I think they picked this image as it was technically very challenging. With this image I love the natural expressions and the depth created by the bokeh reflected in the car window.”

Barney is in his second year studying Level Three Photography and has been developing his passion for the craft over the last four years.

“I used to do motocross racing and after injuries I couldn’t race anymore so I started to photograph it and then branched into other areas,” he said.

“The part I enjoy the most is conveying a character. I tend to find myself doing portraits. The idea of being able to portray someone’s character and mannerisms through a single photograph is very powerful to me.”

Barney Maguire

He already has three weddings booked for next year and hopes to study documentary photography at the University of Westminster to pursue a career in photo journalism.

Nathan Terry, photography course director at WSC, said: “Barney has been shortlisted for a number of competitions in the past and is an excellent technician.

“He is one of the best all round photographers I have had the pleasure of teaching.”

Nominees will be announced later this month and a ceremony will be held in London in January.